Learning Slowly

[Sam Kennedy]

Since I've joined here I have been learning quite slowly. I have tried reading various online tutorials, but they are either too complicated or too simple. I have tried reading the Weather Forecasting book, but I am going through that slowly, since I have to re-read some pages before I start to understand what is being talked about. The Storm Structure 101 DVD was probably the best resource for information, and that helped me learn a lot more on how to actually plan where to chase. Can anyone suggest some websites which are not too simple, but not as advanced as the stuff on METED? Also, what can I do to practice forecasting? I can read surface weather charts, but I don't really understand how to predict anything from them. Is there anything else I should do to try and learn more? Because right now I am sort of trapped in the middle of simple and super complicated :S

 

[rdale]

That might be why meteorology degrees take more than reading a few websites

Get more of Tim's books. Also he has a book for events in the past -- you look at the charts, make a forecast, then turn the page to see if it verified.

Other ways to practice? Forecast more than just severe weather. Analyze today's maps for a certain area, make an outlook on your own, and check in tomorrow to see if it verified.

 

[Shane Adams]

Since I've joined here I have been learning quite slowly. I have tried reading various online tutorials, but they are either too complicated or too simple. I have tried reading the Weather Forecasting book, but I am going through that slowly, since I have to re-read some pages before I start to understand what is being talked about. The Storm Structure 101 DVD was probably the best resource for information, and that helped me learn a lot more on how to actually plan where to chase. Can anyone suggest some websites which are not too simple, but not as advanced as the stuff on METED? Also, what can I do to practice forecasting? I can read surface weather charts, but I don't really understand how to predict anything from them. Is there anything else I should do to try and learn more? Because right now I am sort of trapped in the middle of simple and super complicated :S

My advice is to read forecast threads from chasers on here next Spring. You joined at the "tail end" of the active chase year for the most part, so these forecast threads have been virtually non-existent since you started on ST. Just keep reading any thread you see on here regarding any type of meteorlogical topic. It might be several months before the activity really heats back up, but it will help you a lot to see these types of posts on a daily basis and start learning what they mean.

 

[Bob Hartig]

Get the Storm Chaser's Handbook by Tim. With a new edition pending, you may want to wait on purchasing, but I'll bet that in the meantime, you can obtain the current edition through your local library. The book is easier to understand than the Forecasting Handbook, and more directly targeted at your concerns as a storm chaser. From what you say you're looking for, I'd say it will fit your needs.

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

. The Storm Structure 101 DVD was probably the best resource for information, and that helped me learn a lot more on how to actually plan where to chase.

Buy more chaser DVD's, preferably ones in which chasers are with a partner or otherwise do a good job narrating what is occurring that way you can pick up on some stuff, if they are still available I know Tim Marshall's DVD's do a fair job of that, among many others.

 

[Angie Norris]

Hang in there, Sam. The thing about the weather...none of us know it all...and we never will. It's a continuous learning process. Practice with forecasting normal people good weather over the fall and winter. Keep practicing with interpreting those surface charts . When things start to heat up in the spring try forecasting a target area from what you already know, read the discussions from SPC and the forecast offices for your target, and see how well your forecast verifies. Save some money and pick up Tim V's Storm Chaser Handbook when the new edition comes out. Like Bob said, it's geared directly for chasers and isn't as technical...it will help you focus at the parameters that are the more important parameters for severe storms.

 

[Jason Boggs]

Sam, have you tried reading this website? HABY'S WEBSITE
Or this one WW2010
Here is a short term chase forecast paper written by Jim LaDue CHASE FORECAST
Here is a nice paper about dryline convection DRYLINE CONVECTION

 

[R R Smith]

Good post Sam and thanks to all that responded. I too am learning slowly but would like to accelerate that a bit... which is the main reason that I joined this Board. I have the current version of Tim V's Storm Chasing Handbook and it's a great reference. Cheers... Bob

 

[Brandon Sullivan]

Sam, have you tried reading this website? HABY'S WEBSITE
Or this one WW2010
Here is a short term chase forecast paper written by Jim LaDue CHASE FORECAST
Here is a nice paper about dryline convection DRYLINE CONVECTION

All great references.. Especially the Haby Site

I learned TONS from there..

 

[AndyGabrielson]

Sam is really trying to learn and is still young. I know him as he spends alot of time in my chat room. He has a true interest and is working on this game him and another guy have. He is really trying to be involved, it's nice to see everyone giving him encouragement and pointers. Keep after it buddy.

 

[Jason Boggs]

Sam is really trying to learn and is still young. I know him as he spends alot of time in my chat room. He has a true interest and is working on this game him and another guy have. He is really trying to be involved, it's nice to see everyone giving him encouragement and pointers. Keep after it buddy.

I agree. That's what this forum is for, whether your a 20 year vet or a brand new chaser. We try to help out and give encouragement anytime we can.

Sam, if you ever need any help or have any questions, please feel free to PM me and I will help you out.

 

[Darrin Rasberry]

Since I've joined here I have been learning quite slowly. I have tried reading various online tutorials, but they are either too complicated or too simple. I have tried reading the Weather Forecasting book, but I am going through that slowly, since I have to re-read some pages before I start to understand what is being talked about. The Storm Structure 101 DVD was probably the best resource for information, and that helped me learn a lot more on how to actually plan where to chase. Can anyone suggest some websites which are not too simple, but not as advanced as the stuff on METED? Also, what can I do to practice forecasting? I can read surface weather charts, but I don't really understand how to predict anything from them. Is there anything else I should do to try and learn more? Because right now I am sort of trapped in the middle of simple and super complicated :S

Right in your boat buddy.

Pick up the purple book, red book, and stormchaser guide from Tim V's website. There's no particularly great place on the web IMO; Haby's website (linked earlier) is a perfect joint for info, but only if you know enough beforehand to not get lost in that labyrinth.

If you can do ONE THING with limited budget, etc., pick up Tim V's Forecast Laboratory. It's a bit buggy, but it will show you ALL SORTS of examples of what to do all through the season. You are given barebones maps (no models!) and you must go through the "hard way." Try putting in famous days at first (yeah yeah you're not supposed to, I know) and then start picking days at random. You get a little chase icon to go around on the map, so it sorta simulates how hamstrung you can get if you pick a wrong place while chasing.

The best thing to do in my own opinion is just continue to study whenever you have the time. Since you have the basics down, very few things will make sense; soon, more and more things will make sense, kind of the same thing you do when you learn a new language (computer science or real-life).

I'm still in the process of getting from the basics to the advanced, and I know for sure it's just as muddled as you say it is. Maybe we can help each other in the coming year and get over the hump together. Have fun!

 

[Adam Childers]

I really began to start learning of Jeff Haby's site. I agree that is can be somewhat of a maze to navigate if your a beginner (just because there is soooo much information). The good part is that it is information from beginner to advanced, you just have to search out what you are looking for. Also, many of the words on the pages where you wonder "what the hell does that mean?" have links on them that will take you to another part of HIS site that has a good explanation. I'm also just getting started and trying to figure everything out. I just started looking at how to forecast and a thing I did just to introduce myself to the concepts was to print out the questions, and then the answers separately, to the forecast test 1 and 2 on the Haby site (http://www.theweatherprediction.com/) and look at the question, take an educated guess, then look at the answer and see why your right or wrong. The majority of questions don't deal with storms and such but the same ideas are necessary for ANY forecasting. Good Luck!!

PS Re-reading pages is NEVER a bad thing. The more you read it the better you have it down. If you are like me and never had to study in high school, and you are planning on going to college, that is one of many essential study habits. Just don't learn it the hard way like I did (ie failing classes in college ).

 

[K Johnson]

Hi Sam,

Im right there with you! Im learning very very very slowly, and to be honest, I find learning from books quite tedious and difficult. But this year I went out chasing for 6 weeks, and I learnt more out in the field than i did in 11 months obsessing over chase books and websites. I definitely recomend getting out there with experienced chasers as the best learning experience possible!

 

[MatthewCarman]

Since I've joined here I have been learning quite slowly. I have tried reading various online tutorials, but they are either too complicated or too simple. I have tried reading the Weather Forecasting book, but I am going through that slowly, since I have to re-read some pages before I start to understand what is being talked about. The Storm Structure 101 DVD was probably the best resource for information, and that helped me learn a lot more on how to actually plan where to chase. Can anyone suggest some websites which are not too simple, but not as advanced as the stuff on METED? Also, what can I do to practice forecasting? I can read surface weather charts, but I don't really understand how to predict anything from them. Is there anything else I should do to try and learn more? Because right now I am sort of trapped in the middle of simple and super complicated :S

If the chase case game starts back up on ST some time that is a great way to practice forecasting. If you want to know what I am talking about searc for threads on the game.